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In the assembly language, a programmer writes abbreviations such as A for addition, C
for compare, L for load, and M for multiply. Because of this feature, it is also known as
‘Symbolic Language‘.
High-Level Language (HLL)
High-level language is a programming language that enables a programmer to write programs
that are machine independent. This type of languages are considered as high-level languages
because they are closer to human languages and away from machine languages. PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
The main advantages of high-level languages over low-level languages is that they are easier PROBLEM SOLVING AND
to read, write, and maintain. Let's discuss about some high-level languages.
Third Generation Languages (3GL)
In third generation languages (3GL), the programmer writes a series of English-like words
that tell the computer what to accomplish and how to do. Many third generation languages
also use arithmetic operators such as * for multiplication and + for addition. Some early 121
procedural 3GL are BASIC, PASCAL, C and FORTRAN. Some other advanced object-oriented
3GL are C++, Java, and C#.
Fourth Generation Languages (4GL)
The fourth generation languages also use English-like statements. They specify what
the program should accomplish without explaining how. A 4GL is fast and requires less
time and effort on the part of the programmer. In fact, 4GLs are so easy to use that the
programmers with very little programming background can develop programs. Examples of
4GL are SQL, Perl, Python, etc.
Natural Languages (5GL)
The fifth generation languages, also known as natural languages, are the programming
languages that have visual tools to develop a program. Examples of the fifth generation
language include Mercury, OPS5, and Prolog. Natural languages are easy to use. Natural
languages are often associated with expert system and artificial intelligence.
Advantages of High-Level Languages
Some of the advantages are:
• A high-level language is user-friendly, making it easier to read, write, and maintain.
• A high-level language is similar to the English language with a vocabulary of words and
symbols; therefore, it is easier to learn.
• A high-level language requires less time to write a program.
• A high-level language is machine independent.

